The Gameweek 6 deadline is nearing, and the FPL Managers are getting ready with their teams. After the midweek of the Carabao Cup, some changes might be visible in the line-ups of many teams. Bearing all the injuries and team news in mind, the FPL managers will be looking to set the best team possible before the Saturday deadline locks in.
Here we are with our Top 5 defender picks for Gameweek 6:
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.6m), Brentford vs Liverpool
The 2nd highest FPL-scoring defender in the Premier League this season, Alexander-Arnold is one of the top picks for this gameweek. The fullback who missed last game due to an illness is deemed fit to start against Brentford. Even though he is a defender, the positional map of Trent shows how attacking the English full back is.
Owned by 33.9% of FPL Managers, Trent is a key player in the game with potential of returns on both sides. Trent already has 2 assists registered in 5 gameweeks. The fixture against Brentford provides a great chance for attacking returns along with the chances of clean sheet.
2. Shane Duffy (£4.3m), Crystal Palace vs Brighton
Brighton have made a remarkable start to this season’s Premier League as they sit 4th after 5 gameweeks. The 4.0 million priced Shane Duffy was one of the budget picks in FPL before the season started and he has proved them right. The defender has already given 27 points in 5 gameweeks which has resulted in a 0.3 million rise in his price.
Duffy provides a cheap defensive option with potential of good returns and hence he is one of the top picks in defenders. A match against Crystal Palace provides yet another chance for Duffy to extend his good run of form
3. Virgil Van Dijk (£6.6m), Brentford vs Liverpool
Virgil Van Dijk returned this season after missing out a year due to injury. The Dutchmen who are a key figure in Liverpool’s defence has played a pivotal part since the start. Liverpool have not conceded a goal this season from open play. The return of VVD has been a major factor in that.
Although central defenders are less popular in FPL, the aerial prowess of Van Dijk makes him a good option for attacking returns from set-pieces. Brentford, the newly promoted side, will face a tough test against the unbeaten Liverpool which gives Van Dijk yet another chance for FPL returns.
4. Luke Shaw (£5.5m), Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Luke Shaw is yet to replicate the attacking form that he showed last season. Manchester United have kept a clean sheet in only 1 of their first 5 games. However, the attacking stats of Luke Shaw suggests that a return may just be coming. The 5.5 million defender is one of the popular picks in defence and could be the difference this gameweek if he manages to get points.
A home game against Aston Villa will not be the easiest of fixtures but attacking returns may come with the presence of Ronaldo in the box.
5. Marcal (£4.6m), Southampton vs Wolves
Wolves have been one of the impressive sides from the start. However, that has not resulted in points after winning only 1 game from the 5 fixtures. Although the last match against Brentford was a setback, Wolves will be looking to get back to winning ways against Southampton.
Marcal already has a 13-point haul this season and Southampton will be yet another fixture where he can look to get on the assist tally. Currently owned by 6.6% of managers, Marcal can be a great differential.
